Tips for a Smooth Moving Day

Buying a new home is an exciting milestone. The beginning of a new chapter in your life. Whether you’re moving across town or across the globe, there is always one common element - moving day! While the entire process of buying and selling can be an exciting, many homeowners would rate moving day as the most stressful part of it all. From planning and packing to making sure everything makes it to where it’s going, safely and securely, there is no doubt about it, it is a disruptive time. That’s why it’s helpful to start thinking about moving day long before the day on the calendar arrives. Planning can help lead to an easy moving day! Put these tips into play when mapping out the move.

 

1. Clear your calendar and pick the right date. While we might not be able to control everything that’s going on in our lives, especially when it comes to buying and selling homes, we can do our best to clear our calendars to try and cut down on stress. When it comes to moving, you’re going to need a lot of time to make sure everything is done properly. If possible move appointments and dates to long before or well after the closing date. This way you can focus on packing and moving and then unpacking and setting up your new home.
   
   
2. If you are in charge of packing, have your packing done ahead of time: Between today and moving, you will still be living in your current location, but that doesn’t mean leaving all your packing until the last minute. Long before the move is scheduled, begin by purging the items that you are not planning on taking to the new home. Local charities such as Salvation Army, Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity are always looking for donations of unwanted items to help others.

Focus on starting with anything that you aren’t currently using, like off-season clothing, off season toys, holiday decorations, books, household décor, etc.

As you get closer to moving day, pack more essential items. Ideally, keep out the everyday  essentials – just enough to get you through a few days until after the move is completed.

 

3. Pack Smart: Label your boxes well! Big block letters with a thick marker and be sure to write on the top and the side of a box indicating what room the box will go in at the new home and a short description on what is in the box. Don’t skimp on tape. As boxes get packed they get heavy – adequate tape is essential.

4. Hiring Movers? Some people opt to do all of the moving themselves, but most homeowners hire a mover. Research movers in your area before making your final decision on who to work with. Book them early. Communicate regularly with them prior to moving day, ensuring they meet your needs and expectations. Get references and keep a record of all communications and estimates the movers give you.
   
   
5. Supervise the packing process: On moving day, your role is to supervise the movers. If they’re the ones packing your items, take extra care that fragile or valuable items are being handled responsibly.
   
   
6. Schedule Utilities to be turned on at the new home. Once you know the moving date, be sure to check with the utilities to make sure all are turned on or transferred over to your name.
   
   
7. Get some help from family and friends: While moving boxes might not be everyone’s idea of fun, many hands will help lighten the load. The right motivation can entice family and friends to lend a hand. Make plans for a fun dinner afterwards, and true friends will probably be happy to help.

8. The final walk through- Don’t skip it. Always go through each room for one last look. Open all closets and cabinets. Check the outdoor spaces. If the washer and dryer are staying with the home – check them.

9. Take photos of your utility meters. Doing so provides proof should there be a discrepancy in the final utility bills.

Moving can be a stressful process for even the best prepared and can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Following these tips can help alleviate some of the stress and allow you to focus on the happy memories to be created in your new home.